Labor Day in the former Soviet Union was a major holiday and was marked by official parades, organized street demonstrations, and marches in many Russian cities. May Day celebrations became less political in Russia after 1991. While some political parties and labor unions hold demonstrations on May 1, most Russians spend the holiday gardening or spending time with family.
Activists with disabilities and mental disorders were reportedly violently arrested during this year’s Labor Day procession in Moscow. Police estimated that 130,000 trade union members participated in the event on Red Square.
